Debar Mountain Wild Forest

The Debar Mountain Wild Forest (DMWF) is located in the northeastern portion of the Adirondack Park, just north of Paul Smiths, and is entirely within Franklin County. The highest point on the unit is Debar Mountain, which, at over 3,300 feet offers a broad distant view of the high peaks region to the south. Some portions of the DMWF have been split from the unit to create the Chazy Highlands Wild Forest, which is located to the northeast of DMWF.

Trails on the unit offer opportunities for hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horse back riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling. Popular destinations within the unit include Debar Mountain, Azure Mountain and Debar Meadows. Other popular pastimes are hunting, fishing, canoeing and boating. Access to the unit’s water resources is available at Meacham Lake Campground and Buck Pond Campground, as well as on the St. Regis River, Osgood Pond, Jones Pond, Deer River Flow, Mountain Pond, and Lake Kushaqua. Vehicle access to the unit is provided primarily via NYS Routes 3, 30 and 458. Important local roads for access include county route 26 (Old Route 99), Red Tavern Road, Kushaqua-Mud Pond Road, Gabriels-Onchiota Road, Blue Mountain Road, and Oregon Plains Road.

Debar Mountain Trail

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Debar Mountain Trail

Debar Mountain Trail (3,305 feet) extends 3.7 miles and ascends 1,725 feet from the trailhead within Meacham Lake Campground to the summit of the mountain. The trail ascends only 170 feet in the first 1.9 miles and ascends 755 feet in the next 1.3 miles. The last portion of the trail is steep, climbing 800 feet in the 0.5 mile to the summit. A lean-to is located along the trail just before the last steep section to the summit. Views at the top are limited by the trees growing on the summit but include the High Peaks to the south. When the campground is open, hikers are required to pay a day-use fee.